Chapter 14
*Almost two years later*
"We're probably starting to push our luck here," Steve tried to say matter of factly, although you could tell there was disappointment hiding behind that stoic expression. "Pack up tonight. In the morning, we move out."
With an audible sigh you didn't mean to let escape, you left and headed to the small bedroom that you'd called home for the last couple of weeks. It wasn't much, but it was better than a lot of the places you'd stayed in the past couple of years....and it was definitely better than prison.
You'd known what you were getting into when you chose to help Steve, and you hadn't regretted your decision in the slightest, but you couldn't help but miss the way things were before. It was not having a permanent home to go to every night that bothered you the most.
As you were throwing your cheap replacement belongings into a bag, you heard a small knock on the door.
"Come in."
A moment later, Steve was sitting on the edge of your bed watching you with troubled eyes.
"Are you okay?" he asked.
"Yeah."
He hesitated a moment then said, "I know this life is tough."
"It's no tougher on me than anyone else," you replied. You hadn't meant to cause him any worry. In spite of the situation, he'd still managed to be the best leader and friend that anyone could hope for.
But, your response didn't seem to make him feel any better so you added, "I'd make the same decision today that I did then, Steve. I just miss home. I'm sure we all do."
He nodded his head before saying, "Yeah....it wouldn't be so bad if we didn't have to keep moving all the time. It wouldn't be home, but it'd be better."
For some time after, you'd wonder what had caused your next statement. You certainly hadn't meant it seriously at the moment.
"There's only one place I can think of where we could hide in plain sight and no one would rat us out, unless there was a price on our heads of course.....and that's Gotham."
"Seriously? You really think we could?"
"No one there gives a shit," you said, as if that answered his question.
You noticed he looked very thoughtful as he stared at the wall across from your bed.
"Steve?" you said, bringing him back to the moment.
"You get some sleep. I'll see you in the morning."
Early the next morning, before the sun was up, you all slipped out and made your way to the place where you had the Quinjet stashed in stealth mode.
"Where are we going next?" Sam asked.
"Gotham," Steve said.
"What?" you asked, completely shocked.
"I thought all night about what you said about it being the perfect place to hide long-term. We all need that, at least for awhile....if it's okay with you, that is?"
"Yeah, it's okay," you said quietly. Why wouldn't it be okay? You'd left there on good terms before your mission to Laos and the Accords. Of course, that was almost two years ago. You didn't know what was going on there now. It was such a changeable city.
You must have been quieter than usual because Natasha came to check on you.
"Are you sure you're alright with this?" she asked.
"Yeah, of course, perfectly fine."
"We're going to need a place to stay."
"I'll take care of it."
"You want me to go with you?"
"No, I'll go by myself."
"If you think that's best."
After you landed, you told the rest of your team, "Stay here. I'll call you when I know something."
You stuffed some cash and a small revolver in your jacket pockets. There was no harm in being prepared.
"You sure you want to go alone?" Steve asked.
"We can successfully hide in Gotham, but that doesn't mean we should all go walking down the sidewalk together on the first day. I think it's best that I do."
He nodded his head in understanding and told you to be careful. Since he'd parked the jet far outside of the city, you had to take a pretty long walk to reach an area populated enough that you could get a cab. Once you did, the rest of the trip was relatively short. The driver parked you outside of Oswald's club and you made sure you gave him a very nice tip. He had seen your face, after all, and money was the best way to make friends in Gotham.
Inside, you just did your best to remain inconspicuous. You moved through the crowd at a steady pace, but not too fast. You kept your head up so as to not look suspicious, but you didn't meet anyone's gaze.
When you reached Oswald's door, you slipped inside without knocking. The office was empty, so you decided to make yourself at home in his chair. You were pretty sure if he caught anyone else in it he'd have a tantrum. The thought made you smile. You'd missed him, and Edward.
Wanda had been sneaking off to meet Vision almost since the very beginning. When you first found out about it, it had made you wonder if you could have left long enough to see them, or at least send word to them that you were safe. Then, you wondered why what Wanda did with Vision made you think of Oswald and Edward....especially Edward. That thought made you uncomfortable so you pushed it out of your mind....until today, anyway.
You were notified of Oswald's arrival by the sound of his hellraising. Even through the wooden door and over the club's music, you could hear him screaming about something or somebody. Deciding to add insult to injury, you quickly threw your feet up on his desk and crossed your ankles over each other.
"Hey, Pengy," you said with a smirk when he entered the room. "You miss me?"
The shocked expression on his face quickly turned into happiness.
"Y/n! I've been so worried about you!" he said in a gently scolding tone.
You hopped up from his chair and met him halfway across the room in an embrace. He returned this one faster than any you'd given him thus far.
"I know. I'm sorry. But, it couldn't be helped."
"Hey, little jailbird, what happened to you not staying gone for so long?" you heard Edward's voice say.
Looking towards the door, you found him leaning against the frame. His bowler hat was tilted downwards and there was a smirk plastered on his face. It appeared as if he was trying to look cool, but his eyes ruined the effect. They showed how much he'd missed you.
"Life as a criminal is rough, Riddler," you said, walking towards him. "But, I guess you know that."
Oswald looked from you, to Edward, and back again. He didn't like that he was no longer the focal point of your attention.
"I was working on a plan to break you out when you escaped," Edward said.
"Oh, he hadn't even figured out where they were holding you," Oswald interrupted, moving closer to you. You missed the annoyed glare that passed between them.
"I suppose that's for the best," you began, poking Edward playfully in the ribs. "He couldn't even get out of Arkham without me."
"How did you manage it?" Edward asked, his face lighting up in expectation of a great story.
"I didn't. It was all Steve."
You didn't miss the second look that they shared. It made you feel like they knew a secret that you didn't.
"Actually, we all decided to come here," you said, using the mentioning of Steve as an opener. "I had the idea that Gotham was a good place for us to hide out for awhile. That no one would bother us here."
"That's true," Edward said, putting his attention back on you. "As long as there's no reward, that is."
"I was hoping you might be able to find us a place to stay," you said.
"Of course, I'll have something for you by the end of the day," Oswald said.
"Thank you," you replied, absolutely beaming with gratitude. It made Oswald's cheeks feel warm.
Edward watched him suspiciously. Penguin had a lot more power and money than he currently did. It put him in a much better position to shower you with gifts and favors. He was sure he'd try to use it to his advantage.
"Where are my manners?" Oswald said suddenly. Then, pulling out a chair for you, he added, "Sit down. Tell us everything that's happened."
You proceeded to give them a more personal and intimate version of the events that had transpired since you last saw them than they would have heard on the news. At one point in your story, you were interrupted by someone asking, "What's he like?"
You turned around, puzzled who the new voice could belong to, and found that Zsaz had joined your audience without you noticing.
"Who?"
"The Winter Soldier....I've got to say, I'm a big fan. So, what's he like? You know you always imagine your hero a certain way, then you just hope they wouldn't disappoint you."
You wondered if you should tell Zsaz how much Bucky hated that he'd been forced to be an assassin, but you couldn't bring yourself to ruin the excited expression on his face.
"Bucky is a really cool guy," you said simply.
"He lets you call him by his first name?"
"Yeah, he's really down to earth," you replied, trying not to let your amusement show.
"What's he look like?"
"Um, tall...muscular...long dark hair...deep blue eyes...handsome, chiseled features...a metal arm..."
"Sounds like such a badass," he said with an almost dreamy look on his face.
"Yeah, yeah, he is." It was very hard for you to hold in the laugh that threatened to escape.
"Victor, did you have something to tell me, or did you just feel like intruding?" Penguin asked.
"Sofia Falcone is here asking to see you."
"Falcone?" you asked. "As in Carmine Falcone?"
"His daughter," Edward supplied, tapping his long fingers together thoughtfully in front of his face.
"What does she want?"
"I don't know yet," Oswald said. "She's claiming she's here to help improve Gotham, through charity or some nonsense, but I don't trust her. I can't help but think she's here to rebuild her father's business."
"They had a date the other night," Victor interjected.
"It was not a date," Oswald said.
"I heard she cooked one of his mother's recipes and rubbed his feet. Sounds like a date to me," Victor said to you.
"It was not a date!" Oswald repeated, firmer this time.
"I should be rejoining my team anyway," you said, standing up. "About our living arrangements?"
"Have everyone here in....two hours," Oswald said, checking his watch. "It'll be taken care of then."
"Thank you, Os. Enjoy your date," you said, giving him a wink. "Will you walk out with me, Ed?"
"Of course."
On your way out, you studied the woman that must have been Sofia Falcone. She was richly dressed, probably thanks to her father's money, and looked to be the type of woman that men would find very attractive. You certainly couldn't imagine her massaging anyone's feet.
"She's up to something. Call it women's intuition if you want, but I just know it," you whispered to Edward once you were out of range.
"No, I agree with you."
"At least he seems not to be falling for her tricks."
"I don't know. Every time he accuses her of plotting against him, she has this airtight excuse that ends up making her look like a saint. The woman actually bought an orphanage. Whatever dirt she's hiding, she's doing a good job of it."
"Well, I'm here now, and I won't be fooled by her batting her eyelashes like a couple of idiot men might be. She's going to have to be on her A game to beat me."
You glanced over to find Edward grinning at you.
"What?"
"It sounds like you're thinking about working with us."
"Maybe, what of it?" you teased.
"Prison really changed you."
"I know right. Imagine if I'd actually been there an entire week."
-----------------
One thing your team was always short on now was money. It was difficult for honest people to live as fugitives. When you arrived in Gotham, Oswald had insisted on supporting all of you (after all, you'd learned how to live an inexpensive existence, so it's not like it would have cost him very much). But, you refused any monetary gifts from him. Finding them a place to stay was the most Steve and the others were comfortable accepting from the known mobster. They all found their own individual ways of making a buck here and there, preferably as honestly as they could manage given the circumstances. You knew that there was always a spot open for you in Penguin's organization, but not wanting to put yourself or your friends in any more trouble with the law than you already were, you simply asked him if you could work as a bartender or a waitress at his lounge. He was disappointed by the request, thinking that it was a waste of your talents not to be by his side, but of course he obliged.
The job didn't go as you had planned, however. You could have made quite a decent living on the tips alone, if Oswald and Edward weren't the way that they were. It was customary for a well-liked bartender to carry on conversations with the more loquacious patrons, and the drunk men who wanted to flirt were some of the biggest tippers in the business. But, it never took long for either Oswald or Edward to very forcibly hint that their actions were not appreciated. Soon you had a reputation as being completely off limits. You knew they meant well, but it was frustrating. It's not like you were some sheltered young innocent who couldn't take care of herself.
But, the job had its perks. It allowed you to keep a closer eye on Sofia Falcone. You supposed she and Oswald were now officially "friends", with no doubts about her left in his mind, even in spite of your warnings. Okay, maybe because of your warnings. He hadn't taken it very well when you not so eloquently said that no one would try that hard to win him over, especially a woman like her. You were pretty sure the main point of his friendship with her was to spite you and prove you wrong. But, at least one good thing had come of it, he had made a real friend: a mute orphan boy named Martin who was the most adorable thing you'd ever seen. He was good for Oswald, even if you had caught him teaching the child the proper way to stab someone.
Still, you couldn't get your concerns about Sofia out of your mind. It was currently a Saturday afternoon, a few hours before opening, and you were stocking your bar for the upcoming evening while practicing mixing a few drinks at the same time (you were still new to it, after all).
"I know it's kind of a girly drink, but what do you think?" you asked Edward as you placed the Midori, Malibu, and pineapple mixture in front of him. Unless he had something he had to do, he always seemed to be hanging out at the bar whenever you were there.
"Well, it's green, so it's got that going for it," he said before taking a sip.
"Is it too sweet?" you asked. "Do I need to alter my ratios?"
"It's sweet, but not too much."
"Is that the truth or are you just trying not to hurt my feelings?"
"When do I ever try to spare anyone's feelings?"
"Good point," you said, taking the drink away from him so you could taste it.
As the first little bit slid down your throat, you caught sight of Oswald and Sofia returning from their lunch date.
"What do you think?" Edward asked.
"It's sour and rotten," you replied before downing the rest. "But, the drink is fine."
Edward looked over his shoulder and understood your meaning.
"I've been paying somebody to follow her and have come up with absolutely nothing. Maybe she's on the level?" he said.
A small smile made its way onto your lips as an idea formed in your mind.
"Do you remember what I said about idiot men being fooled by her?"
"Yeah, but what are you going to do? Follow her yourself. It would never work. She knows what you look like."
"I wasn't talking about me."
---------------
"You want me to do what?" Natasha asked when you told her your plan.
"Follow this woman. Try to dig up dirt on her. I don't trust her."
"I get that, but why do we care? I'll admit, he has helped us out some. But, he also tried to kill Clint and did kill you. Maybe we shouldn't interfere with karma." she said.
"What happened to not judging someone for their worst mistakes?"
She rolled her eyes, slightly annoyed that you'd use that against her.
"He's my friend, Nat. Please? I'd do it myself, but she knows me."
"Alright, I'll do it....for you, not for him."
"Thank you. You're the best."
"Tell me something I don't know."
A few days later, in the middle of your shift, you noticed a familiar face at the end of your bar. You hadn't expected her here so she must have news.
"What did you find out, Nat?" you asked as you handed her her favorite drink.
"I don't have anything about what she's specifically planning, but I thought you might want to know that she's having an affair with the cop."
"What cop?"
"Gordon."
"Shit," you muttered. That couldn't be a coincidence. Gordon had been trying to bring Oswald down hard lately.
"I owe you big time, girl."
"No, you don't. You're just lucky I love you. Here, in case he doesn't believe you," she said, placing an envelope on the bar. "I took pictures."
"Of their affair?"
She grinned at you mischievously.
"Nothing explicit, I promise."
"Do you know anything about bartending?"
"A little...not much."
"Cover me for a bit," you said as you slipped out from behind the bar.
A minute later you were in Oswald's office.
"Is something wrong out there?" he asked. Even though he was still a little mad at you for your poorly worded comments, he wouldn't stand for someone mistreating you.
"Yes," you said, placing the envelope in front of him. You didn't say more for fear of him tuning you out.
You watched as he opened the envelope and pulled out its contents. He tried to keep his expression even, but it didn't take an experienced eye to tell he was pissed. You just hoped it wasn't at you.
"Where did you get these?"
"I asked Natasha to follow her. I assumed you didn't know about her and Gordon."
"I did not."
"I'm sorry, Oswald."
"Well, I suppose you were right. No one would try that hard to be my friend unless they wanted something."
"Os, I didn't mean it like that. I only meant that....well, a woman like that....she couldn't appreciate you, you know? Not like I do," you said, trying to make him feel better.
He let out a snort.
"How are we going to get back at that bitch?" you asked, earning an evil smile from him.
"Oh, you let me worry about that. I'll make her wish she'd never so much as set foot in Gotham!"
He started rummaging around angrily in his desk drawers, pulling out knives and guns as he went.
"Tell Zsaz and whoever else you can find to get in here now," he said.
"Sure," you replied. Part of you wanted to help him with this, but you couldn't chance getting your friends more involved, even indirectly. You'd supposed you'd done all you could by alerting him to the situation. Still, something bothered you.
"Oswald," you called out when you reached the door. "You know I just didn't want you to get hurt, right?"
His expression softened when he said, "I know. I should have listened."
"No, life is about making these decisions for yourself. Just don't forget that I care. There are never any hidden agendas here."
Back out in the club, you spotted Edward at the bar. He was giving Natasha tips about how to fix whatever drink she was working on. Apparently, he'd picked up a thing or two from hanging around all the time.
"Penguin wants everybody in his office," you told him. "He's going after Falcone."
"You managed to convince him," Edward said. "Damn, you're good."
"Couldn't have done it without her," you said, indicating Natasha.
"Thanks," he told her.
You expected a sarcastic response, but instead she just said, "You're welcome."
"Be careful, Ed. I doubt she plays by the rules," you said.
"Neither do I so it should be fair."
When he was gone, you said, "No biting remark... he must be growing on you."
"Eh, he's not as bad as he tries to act. If he could get rid of that weird double personality thing, he'd be alright. Now, take over here. I'm just supposed to be a customer."
"And the crowd let out a collective sigh of relief."
"Oh, shut up."
----------------
You and Natasha stayed long after the bar had closed for the night waiting for Oswald and Edward to return. You'd told her multiple times to go home and go to bed, but she just ignored you. Around four in the morning, they returned with Oswald leading the way. The only time you'd ever seen him that angry was with Galavan.
"What happened? What went wrong?" you asked Edward as Penguin stormed over to the bar.
"I'll tell you what went wrong!" Oswald shrieked. "That bitch has Martin!"
"What?"
"Who's Martin?" Natasha asked.
"The orphan kid that he sort of adopted," Edward explained.
"The Sirens took him, Gordon is ordering Sofia out of town, and unless I bring her back and turn everything over to her, she's going to have him killed!"
You and Natasha looked at each other and an unspoken understanding passed between you.
"I'll wake the others," she said.
"What are you talking about?" Oswald asked, his confusion calming him slightly.
"We don't care about your gang war," Natasha said. "But, she's threatening a little kid. We're not going to just sit by."
"Yeah, then everyone will find out you're here and you'll have to leave for Peru or somewhere. I've got a better idea," Edward said, a smile forming on his lips.
"What is it?" you asked.
Ignoring your question, he said, "It's late, and you girls look tired. Why don't you go home?"
"Ed-" you began.
"You're better of not knowing," he said. "Trust me."
--------------
You'd agreed to stay home until you received word from either Edward or Oswald, and you absolutely hated it. Legal or not, your place was in a fight beside the people you cared about, not sitting on the sidelines. The only comfort you found in your decision was that the Avengers hadn't been thrown in the middle of a gang war. That did count for something.
When the phone finally rang, the first thing out of your mouth was: "Are you all okay? Is Martin alright?"
"He's fine," Oswald said. "I've sent him away, and only Victor knows where. He'll be safe."
You wondered about the decision to let a hired gun take care of a child. Your team would have been happy to keep him, and there would have been no safer place on Earth.
"I'm glad," you said, choosing not to voice your concerns. "So, I suppose you're at war now?"
"Yes, she had this entire thing planned from the beginning. But, I was able to surprise her last night."
He sounded so incredibly pleased about it.
"I'm sorry that you can't be by my side in this fight," he said. "But, I understand why."
"Hey, I'll still be around. You can keep me updated."
"Alright, I will. I've got to be going now."
"I'll talk to you later."
Before he hung up, you added, "Give her hell, Oswald."
-------------------
"Y/n, you've got to get down to the club," Edward said as soon as you answered the phone.
"What's going on?"
"They arrested Oswald."
When you arrived, he told you about Oswald getting arrested for murdering Martin, and that Zsaz was going to testify that he witnessed it.
"And Zsaz is the only one that knows where he is so we can't produce him as evidence," you said.
"Yeah. Zsaz has got to be working for Sofia now which means she pretty much has the kid. Oswald won't budge as long as he's in danger. Now, I think I can find him, but I'll need your help. Once we do that, we can break Oswald out."
"Alright, I'm in," you said without hesitation. As soon as the words were out of your mouth, your phone started ringing. "Let me get this."
"Y/n, Bruce called," Steve said on the other end.
"Bruce? Bruce Banner?"
No one had heard from Bruce since Sokovia.
"Yeah, are you near a TV?"
After motioning for Edward to turn on the TV, you watched the news report about the events in New York and Tony being missing in horror. Steve proceeded to repeat to you everything Bruce had told him.
"They're going to be looking for Vision," he said. "We've got to get to him and Wanda first."
"I'm on my way."
"What do you mean you're on your way?" Edward asked after you'd hung up. "What about this? What about what we were doing?"
"Edward, look!" you said pointing at the TV. "This is the same guy that sent Loki and the Chitauri to attack New York. He's why I became an Avenger. Now, he's trying to get the Infinity Stones so he can wipe out half of all living things. We have to stop him."
"Someone has to stop him. It doesn't have to be you."
"I can't sit here and pretend this isn't happening. This is my job."
"A job they didn't want you to do."
"That doesn't matter now."
"It should. They didn't appreciate you."
"This isn't about being appreciated! We're talking about people's lives! Yours, mine, Oswald's, Natasha's, Steve's, everybody's....half of them could be gone by tomorrow!"
You stopped and took a deep breath to calm yourself before continuing.
"I'm sorry that I can't stay to help break Oswald out. I really am. I hope that I'll get to see him again. I hope that I'll get to see you again, too. But, this is who I am Edward. I tried to tell you that a long time ago."
There were so many more things that you would have liked to have told him if there had been time, but the clock was ticking and there was nothing you could do to slow it down.
But, you couldn't bring yourself to leave him on bad terms, not with such an uncertain future ahead. You decided to speak to him in the language he knew best.
"If you break me, I do not stop working. If you touch me, I may be snared. If you lose me, nothing will matter. What am I?"
Before he could speak, you placed your hand over his mouth.
"Don't say it now. Just know that mine belongs to you. Goodbye, Edward."
Then, you left him as quickly as your legs could carry you.
As he stared after you, he spoke the answer quietly to himself.
"Your heart."